The space renaissance will require three strong pillars for long-term success: national security, civil space, and commercial space. A strong commercial pillar leads to an integrated aerospace ecosystem and a secure future in space.

“We plan on launching more than we need because you can’t have a failure and say, ‘Oh [shucks]. I need to get another launch,’ because that will take two years,” said Planet Labs Chief Executive Will Marshall.

The recent boom in entrepreneurial space activity is fueling investor interest in the sector, but venture capitalists remain troubled by the number of entrepreneurs they meet who lack sound business plan.